Colt python .38 target!

[everyreggie]

My father owns a 8" nickel Colt Python .38 only target! It is BNIB and never fired.
My question is should he shoot it, leave it BNIB, and or sell it? What's it worth? Will firing it decrease value, if so how much?
Thanks

[Oneaudiopro]

I have never seen a .38 only python. Diamondbacks can be .38. Please post pics.

[everyreggie]

No pics, not at my home! It is a python and rare! Google it!

[003]

A Colt python in .38 special is rather rare. While I do not remember the dates, Colt did in fact make .38 special pythons specifically for target competition.

What you do with it is up to your father. If it is in new condition and has never been fired, it is of course more valuable to a collector than a specimen that has been fired. Only your father can decide what to do with it. Does your father need the money? If he has not shot it up to this time, perhaps keeping it in new condition is a reasonable option.

I suspect a new in the box python in .38 special would be worth at least $2000/$2500, perhaps more.

[everyreggie]

No doesn't need the money, but he isn't a collector. He uses his guns except this one because he is worried it will be devalued too much!

[DrewN]

Being nickel knocks it down somewhat, but it should still bring over $3k easily I would think. That's a rare,rare gun.

[SGVsportshooting]

Keep it if you are not in financial hardship.

[PolishMike]

There are plenty of 38spl target guns you could get that will actually cost you less than the depreciation that Colt will see jf you shoot it.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

[redcliff]

Being nickel knocks it down somewhat, but it should still bring over $3k easily I would think. That's a rare,rare gun.

Actually nickel would be an add for the value compared to a blued one according to the pricing guides.

There is a similar Python on gunbroker right now for $2900 starting price (no bids) and $3300 buy now price.

[DrewN]

Actually nickel would be an add for the value compared to a blued one according to the pricing guides.

There is a similar Python on gunbroker right now for $2900 starting price (no bids) and $3300 buy now price.

I never would have guessed that. I never look at the prices for non-blued revolvers since I would never buy one. That'll teach me to pipe up when I should be researching!

[sigstroker]

Compare the value to a new .357 Python. If it's substantially higher, sell it and buy the .357, which you can shoot .38's out of also.

[everyreggie]

No we don't need a 357 we are good there! Just hard to have a beauty and keep her all wrapped up!

[redcliff]

I never would have guessed that. I never look at the prices for non-blued revolvers since I would never buy one. That'll teach me to pipe up when I should be researching!

I understand; I prefer blued also although I'd like to have a nickel Python (or a bright polished stainless) to add to my small collection.

[beetle]

sounds like you have a Colt Python Target in Nickel. As redcliff states nickel would add to the value. This one sold last year for $2500 (+15% commission). It's a rare gun, don't shoot it unless you want to "lose" hundreds of dollars instantly.

[everyreggie]

Ok yep that's it same box too!